October 1569

Desires that two merchants of Rochelle who have come
about the Prince's business and who have been arrested at
Dover may be released.—Shene, 1 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ⅓.

Oct. 2.

454. Sir William Drury to Cecil.

Yesterday rode to Kelso and dined with the Regent who
declared how desirous he was to reform the disordered libertines of his Marches, and hoped that the English officers
would in like manner concur. He appointed the 18th inst.
to ride upon the thieves of Liddlesdale, and required to have
100 shot out of the garrison of Berwick. Desires to know
the Queen's pleasure how he shall answer him.—Berwick,
2 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. P. ¾.

Oct. 3.

455. Battle of Moncontour.

Account of a skirmish between the forces of the Duke of
Anjou and the Admiral on the 30th Sept. which was followed
on the 3rd Oct. by a great battle at Moncontour. The loss
of the Admiral is set down at more than 10,000 men, all
his carriages and baggage and eleven pieces of artillery;
whilst that of the Duke of Anjou is put down at rather
over 300 men.—Signed: De Neufville.

Copy written at [Hernoulx] 4 Oct. 1569. Endd. Fr.
Pp. 10½.

Oct. 5.

456. Sir Henry Norris to the Queen.

The two armies on Friday the 30th Sept. being at Moncontour, there chanced between them a rude encounter with equal
loss, there being slain 400 men. The next two days they
made some abstinence, but on Monday presenting themselves both in order there was stricken a notable battle,
which from 11 o'clock till 3 p.m. remained doubtful,
but in the end M. D'Anjou won the field, overthrew the
Admiral's footmen, and gained his artillery and baggage.
Gives different reports about the battle, but for better knowledge of the certainty, he addressed himself to the Court in
manner of congratulation, as all other ambassadors did. One
La Roche, newly arrived from the camp, told him by the
King's command that for certain the Admiral is dead, and
of the King's side are slain the Marquis of Baden with some
other colonels of reiters, and the Rhinegrave and Bassompierre sore hurt. The retreat of the Prince's horsemen is
towards Angouleme whither Monsieur follows with his army.
Being with the King, Norris said that having gained the
victory he could do no more worthy thing than to take
compassion of his poor subjects, who said that such as were
willing to return to their due obedience would find him a
merciful Prince, but the obstinate he meant to pursue with all
rigour and extremity. On the 24th Sept. the King sent for
him, and being first brought to the Queen Mother, she said
that the King had a most earnest request to make, that he
should at his next dispatch to Her Majesty give her to understand that she would at their requests stand so greatly the
Queen of Scots' good friend as to restore her to her former
estate. The King being ready to take horse to run on hunting, used the like speech to him. Is credibly informed that
there are not slain above 6,000 men, there being lost as many
horsemen on the one part as the other. M. De Tavannes
wrote to their Majesties that they should now attend to some
pacification, which is an evident sign that things are not so
desperate as they give forth. The Admiral has retreated to
Lusignan, and there gathers his forces together, which proves
La Roche's report to be but vain.—Tours, 5 Oct. Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2.

Oct. 5.

457. The Regent Murray to Queen Elizabeth.

Announces the departure of the commendator of Dunfermline, and will not weary her with repetition of anything that
he has in charge.—Kelso, 5 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. P. ¼.

Oct. 5.

458. The Regent Murray to Cecil.

Desires him to credit the Commendator of Dumfermline
as he knows him to be both trusty and honest, also that
David Ker, of "Sheilstokebrayes," a notorious trespasser now
worthily kept in prison at Berwick, may be delivered up to
him.—Kelso, 5 October 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. P. ½.

Oct. 6.

459. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.

Expresses his sorrow at the news which he sends. The battle
continued doubtful until 3 p.m., but in the end the Admiral's
footmen were all broken and his horsemen put to flight,
Monsieur pursuing the chase for the space of four leagues,
having gained the artillery and 3,000 of the reiters' chariots.
The reiters of Volrade von Mansfeldt's own regiment fought
very valiantly, but the others did not so well acquit themselves. They say 13,000 men are slain upon the field. The
Duke of Guise is hurt in the hand and foot, the Rhinegrave
and Bassompierre wounded, and the Marquis of Baden was
slain in the second charge. The King departs towards Chinon
where no want of misery will be, being a place sore wasted
with the two armies. Sends an arrêt whereby a great number
of the religion are touched. Understands the number of slain
is about 6,000, the most part lansquenets, who cowardly retiring themselves, were all cut to pieces. There was as much
slaughter of the King's cavalry as theirs, and M. D'Anjou was
borne to the ground off his horse. The Admiral has retired to
Lusignan where he assembles his people.—6 October. Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 1½.

Oct. 6.

460. The Cardinal of Chatillon to Cecil.

Desires him to credit what the bearer has in charge to say,
and to send any news that he may have.—Shene, 6 October
1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. Fr. P. ¼.

Oct. 7.

461. The Queen to Lord Scrope.

Is informed that the Earl of Murray is come towards the
Borders with determination to pursue and chastise the great
number of disordered persons being peace-breakers, robbers,
and otherwise offenders against the common peace of both
realms. Commands him to his uttermost to concur with the
said Earl. Requires better regard to be had to the observation of this order than was had last year upon a like
occasion.—Windsor, 7 October 1569.

Draft. Endd. P. ¾.

Oct. 7.

462. The Spanish Ambassador to Sir George Speke.

Complains of the proceedings of the commissioners appointed for the sale of the goods belonging to the Spaniards
which were detained in England.—London, 7 October 1569.
Signed.

Add., with seal. Span. Pp. 1¼.

[Oct. 7.]

463. Proceedings in the Court of Admiralty.

Commission for certain officers in the Court of Admiralty
to investigate charges of piracy committed by Englishmen
on the Spaniards, and endorsed with an order for Sir John
Pollard to restore a ship called "Fortuna Maris " which had
been seized by him.

Endd. Lat. Pp. 1½.

Oct. 10.

464. Sir Henry Norris to Leicester and Cecil.

1. Gives further particulars of the battle of Moncontour.
On the day of the battle certain of the Admiral's horsemen
surprised a treasurer coming out of the Limousin with 30,000
francs. On Monsieur presenting the battle, the Admiral
charged his squadron with 2,000 reiters and such French gensdarmes as he had, and furiously striking upon the battle
marvellously shook the same, but in the retreat being encountered on the flank by M. D'Aumale and the Marquis of Villars
they received some loss. Nevertheless there was charge and
recharge made, every squadron fighting his turn, but in the
end the Admiral was forced to retire with his cavalry.
The infantry being left unsustained and the Duke of Guise
charging them with the light horsemen, the lansquenets cowardly without resistance drawing to the French for succour
abandoned the artillery, and were the cause not only of their
own losses but likewise of a great part of the French. Divers
cornets of reiters seeing the battle lost ran to their baggage
and took what they thought most dear to them leaving their
chariots.

2. The number slain is accounted 8,000 whereof there be
but 400 horsemen. The prisoners of mark are M. D'Acier and
La Noue of Brittany. Besides those already given there is
slain on the King's side Count Mansfield, the general of the
Walloons, and MM. De Vacon and De Mailly. There are
115 ensigns taken by Monsieur, whereof 55 were brought
hither by M Tavannes. One has been found dead with the
Toison d'or about his neck. Monsieur marching forward
found Niort, Chatelherault, and other places abandoned, which
confirms this disaster to be very great. It is held that the
Admiral is at Rochelle with the Princes and the Queen of
Navarre. Yesterday a soldier assured the King that he had
slain since the battle M. de Mouy with a harquebussade of
triple shot in the head, and further said there was a complot
of six soldiers every one choosing his man of the chiefest of
the Admiral's company to slay him. Doubts nothing will
more [endanger] the Admiral's safety than the 50,000 crowns
which the Parisians have decreed to him who shall murder
him.

3. Understands that the galleys are come to stop the traffic
of Rochelle. Tours, 10 October 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. Damaged by damp. Pp. 1¾.

Oct. 10.

465. The Cardinal of Chatillon to Cecil.

Colonel Julius and the others have gone to London
very well content that the Queen has been pleased to send
Mr. Middlemore to make preparations for their passage.
Sends a letter which they have brought from the Queen of
Navarre for the Queen of England.—Shene, 10 Oct. 1569.
Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ½.

Oct. 12.

466. The Regent Murray to Cecil.

Forwards a letter for the commendator of Dunfermline,
which he desires him to deliver.—Kelso, 12 Oct. 1569.
Signed.

Add. Endd. P. ¼.

Oct. 13.

467. Queen Elizabeth to the Regent Murray.

Has received his letters by George Carey, her cousin, and
where it appears that the Duke of Norfolk did first motion
unto him the matter of the marriage with the Scottish Queen,
she earnestly requires him to consider well, and that she may
have as many proofs with circumstances as he can well compass, to make it appear that the said Duke moved it to him
or any of his, and that it was not moved by him to the Duke.
The more evident the proofs shall be the better will she allow
of him and his actions. Thinks herself not well used if any
have reported that she did ever allow of any such marriage,
as indeed she never did or in reason will do.

Draft by Cecil. Endd. P. 1.

Oct. 15.

468. Henry Champernowne to Cecil.

1. Sends an account of the battle of Moncontour, which he
states to have occurred on the 10th October. Supposes in all
there are 12,000 footmen lost. The Admiral was hurt in the
face with a pistol. Are driven to their towns and holds until
they can assemble again. Look for Montgomery out of
Gascony, at whose coming they will fight again.—St. Jean
d'Angely, 15 Oct.

2. P.S.—M. de Mouy was hurt by one of his own company,
who meant to have shot him through the head, but hit him in
the neck. By this means they were fain to yield New Yorke
[Niort] to the enemy. The King has sent 2,000 horse to
M. D'Anville to fight with Count Montgomery and interrupt
his coming. Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. Pp. 2½.

Oct. 16.

469. The Princes of Navarre and Condé to Cecil.

Have sent to the Cardinal of Chatillon a discourse of the
late battle, which they have desired him to communicate to
him, by which also he will see the condition in which they
are at present. Express their gratitude for the zeal and
favour which he has always shown towards their cause.—
Xaintes, 16 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. 1.

Oct. 16.

470. M. De Cavaignies to Cecil.

They still have as great a force of both French and German
cavalry as before the late battle, who keep up their resolution
and courage, but they have great lack of money to pay the
reiters. Has told the lord whom he knows what Cecil communicated to him at his departure, for which he thanks him.
Desires him to let the Cardinal of Chatillon know what assistance he can render them whilst they are waiting for the
succours which are coming from Germany.—Xaintes, 16 Oct.
1569. Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. Pp. 1½.

Oct. 16.

471. Sir William Drury to Cecil.

1. The Regent has unfeignedly to his great pains travailed
and to his uttermost endeavoured to procure justice on the
Borders. On the 10th and 11th inst. he came to Ridingburn,
and from 9 a.m. till after 5 p.m. debated and determined
such causes as came before them, and made to this Border a
great delivery.

2. P.S.—Desires Cecil to further the suit of his servant
Scudamore.—Berwick, 16 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. P. 1.

Oct. 10 & 11.

472. Justice on the Borders.

A list of twenty-one English bills filed upon the Scots and
delivered at Ridingburn, for horses and cattle stolen, amounting, principal, double and "saffee," to 1,200l. 12s. 10d. There
were twenty-five bills besides filed, the delivery of which was
respited to the 8th November, which are likely to be more
than 1,000l. sterling; and yet there remain six or seven score
unanswered, besides those of the Marches.

Endd.: 10 & 11 Oct. 1569. Pp. 3¼. Enclosure.

Oct. 16.

473. Lord Scrope to Cecil.

Has received the Queen's letter commanding him to concur
with the Lord Regent of Scotland in chastising the offenders
against the common peace of both realms. Whatever negligence or oversight happened last year in his absence, he will
foresee and regard the same at this time, so as he trusts the
said Regent will have no just cause of complaint.—Carlisle, 16
Oct. 1569. Signed.

P. ¾.

Oct. 16.

474. Thomas Leighton to Cecil.

Found the Marquis Vitelli at Dover, to whom he declared
Her Majesty's pleasure from point to point. He was thankful
that the Queen would accept him to her presence, but wished
that all his servants might have come with him. Though it
was thought that himself with five persons was sufficient, he
has presumed so much beyond his commission as to let them
have two horses more. Sends the names of the eight that
came, and of the others who remain.—Dover, 16 Oct. Signed.

Add. Endd. Pp. 2.

Oct. 16.

475. The Marquis Chapin Vitelli.

List of the names of the gentlemen and others who accompanied the Marquis to Dover, where they remain, with the
exception of eight, about forty-four in all.

Ital. Pp. 3. Enclosure.

Oct. 20.

476. The Cardinal of Chatillon to Cecil.

Doctor Wolph, councillor of the late Duke of Deux Ponts,
has just arrived from Rochelle, having charge from the noblemen there to inform Her Majesty of the state of their affairs.
Desires to know her pleasure herein.—Shene, 20 Oct. 1569.
Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ½.

Oct. 21.

477. The Regent Murray to Queen Elizabeth.

At the receipt of her letter of the 13th inst. he was ready
to enter Liddlesdale for pursuit of the thieves and peace
breakers, so that he wanted the commodity to satisfy her
desire presently, all writings touching the matter mentioned
being sent back to Edinburgh. The order of the moving of
that marriage he has already, to his best remembrance, declared
to Mr. Carey, and whatsoever he can collect further that may
make the truth more evident shall be sent to her as soon as
possible.—Hawick, 21 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. P. ½.

Oct. 22.

478. The Regent Murray to Cecil.

Is uncertain whether the Duke of Norfolk be free or not
from any contract. These words in his letter are to be considered, "that he is so far proceeded in that matter as with
"conscience and honour he cannot turn back." Has received
no answer as to how he shall behave himself in uttering of the
matter moved by Mr. Carey, and therewithal to keep the same
secret; for he is not able to know his ability before he has
tasted the minds of divers, which is hard to do keeping therewithal secrecy. Prays him to move the Queen not to take
two or three days delay in evil part, and to thank her for the
readiness and good concurrence which he has found in all
her wardens.—Hawick, 22 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. P. ¾.

Oct. 22.

479. Sir William Drury to Cecil.

Has furnished the Regent with 200 soldiers, and sent the
Queen's letters to him. The Regent has desired him to send all
letters coming from the south to the Laird of Grange. The Regent minds to be a witness of the siege of Dumbarton in person.
The cause of this long holding out has been the messages
and comfort ere this to have been relieved by the [Scottish]
Queen. Home goes not this journey with the Regent, but
sends his friends and servants. Many of the Marches have
refused him, and have gone to Earl Morton. Lethington is
found to be "the principal person for beginning the trouble"some cause." Robert Melville was not ignorant of the beginning thereof, but brought the Queen's mind to Lethington.
Grange's coming to Kelso was to make it known to Scotland
that he was of the Regent's [party]. He offered to render up
the castle again, but the Regent would not receive it. He
has given up the provostship. Lethington has made an offer
to the Regent for agreement, but it will not yet be harkened
unto. Argyle now determines to conform himself to the
Regent. Lord Seton minds secretly to depart into France.
The Earls of Eglinton and Cassilis accompany the Regent.
The English soldiers remain at Jedworth. There is a principal person of the Hamilton's slain. Another attempt to put
victuals into Dumbarton has failed. Complains of want of
money. Fears there is also scarcity of powder.—Berwick,
22 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. Pp. 2½.

Oct. 23.

480. Sir William Drury to Cecil.

Sends a packet from the Regent. The soldiers are returned
not having passed further than Jedworth. Perceives that the
Regent minds to do some further displeasure unto Sandy
Armstrong.—Berwick, 23 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. P. ½.

Oct. 23.

481. The Queen to the Regent Murray.

Has heard the bearer hereof, the Commendator of Dunfermline, in all such things as have been committed to his charge,
whose sufficiency she well allows. After report made by
certain of her Council, she perused such writings as he had
exhibited to them. Finds the matters first propounded by
her very weighty, and Murray's answers thereto to have been
with great deliberation conceived, and to carry with them
much reason in the most part, but yet finds not any clear
resolution how any convenient end may succeed hereof without such evident peril and danger as in wisdom is not to be
chosen. Has shown her mind to the bearer, upon whose
report she desires him to consider the same, and with speed
advertise her.

Draft by Cecil. Endd. P. ¾.

Oct. 23.

482. Maitland of Lethington to Cecil.

The continuance of Cecil's accustomed favour is no small
comfort to him at this time. None can long be employed in
the public managing of Princes' affairs who shall not at some
time taste the malice of the world and the envy of the Court,
whereof his lot is to feel the experience in his own person.
Although there be a number conjured against him, of which
the most part are bound to him for private benefits, he
still has as good friendship of the noblest and best of the
country as any man of his degree. Doubts not but that his
enemies will endeavour by untrue reports to make him odious
to the Queen of England, but trusts that she has had so good
proof of his upright meaning towards herself, that she will
not conceive any sinister opinion of him until he has been
first heard. It has been reported to him that Crawford, who
at Stirling accused him, had no commission from his master
to do so, as appears by a letter written to him which Cecil
has read. Prays him, if he possibly can, to find means to
retire that letter into his hands, and to send it hither, to the
end that by Lethington's showing the same, the malice of his
enemies may be convinced, who still purge themselves of the
device of this calumnious accusation.—Stirling Castle, 23
Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. Pp. 1¾.

Oct. 23.

483. Kirkcaldy of Grange to the Earl of Bedford.

Can declare no better or certain ground for the committing
of Lethington to ward but the malice and envy of some of
his enemies, who by means of a faction have craftily induced
the Regent to do that which he was most unwilling to do.
Is assured that Murray in his heart sore repents that ever he
yielded to their passions. Doubts not but that the trial will
issue in a declaration of the innocence of Lethington and the
confusion of his enemies. In the meantime he prays him and
his other friends to suspend their judgments. Dares say that
Bedford has heard something against himself that in the handling of this matter he has not done his duty to the Regent.
Declares that nothing will ever make him spot his poor
honesty whereunto he will ever have greater respect than to
his life.—Edinburgh Castle, 23 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.

Oct. 24.

484. The Cardinal of Chatillon to Cecil.

Desires him to procure a passport for M. De Schomberg to
go to Hamburg, and also that he may have licence to export
three hackneys, two of which he intends to present to the
Elector Palatine and the Duke Casimir.—Shene, 24 Oct. 1569.
Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. Fr. P. ¾.

Oct. 25.

485. Lord Scrope to Cecil.

1. Has concurred with the Regent for the reformation of
the thieves, and taken order for the avoiding the receipt both
of them and their goods. The Regent has made great fires
and done great hurt, through terror whereof all the whole
surnames both of Liddlesdale and otherwheres are generally
come in and entered unto him good assurance and pledges for
their obedience from henceforth. He has promised to appoint
an officer at whose hands Scrope shall receive redress in all
causes. Has moved the Regent for the apprehension of
Prestall, giving him to understand where he is in secret kept,
though he with whom he is reports that he has gone to
Germany; who has promised to do what in him lies.

2. P.S.—Lord Herries has sent special commandment to all
his that they shall be at the Regent's command in all respects.
—Carlisle, 25 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. P. 1.

Oct. 27.

486. Sir Henry Norris to Cecil.

The King departing from Tours on the 11th inst., Norris
sent his secretary to attend on the Court, from whom he
is advertised that the camp being at St. Jean D'Angely, he
went to view the place, the site whereof is somewhat strong
but commanded on the north side. The town is environed
with infantry on all sides. They stay the bringing of their
artillery to the town for lack of powder. For that it is
judged that the town will be defended to the utmost, the
infantry knowing what danger it is to assail a breach have
requested to have the gendarmes' cuirasses, which is granted
to them. In the piece commands Captains Piles and Rovergne
with 1,000 men. There is daily shooting out of the trenches
and town, but as yet there is no sortie made. The Admiral
was hurt in the face at the battle with a pistol shot, and is
at Cognac, two rivers being betwixt him and Monsieur. The
dead body that was found with the toison d'or was that of
Ludovic of Nassau. The King to animate his soldiers has
brought to the camp 600,000 francs. He has likewise sent
300,000 francs into Germany to make a new levy for next
spring. There is muttering that the King will practise some
composition with the reiters. There is an English merchant
taken lately by St. Jean D'Angely and grown to composition
with the parties for 100 crowns for his ransom, which is very
strange considering the amity betwixt the Princes, that merchants should be taken as good prize. His name is John
Hopkins, servant to Mr. Hickins of Bristol, who says that
he saw, fifteen days since in the river of Bordeaux, eight
galliots, two foists, and two great ships equipped for war.
His grief was great to hear the disquiet that the Duke's
sudden departure caused both Her Majesty and the Council.
His wife is very ill troubled with a lame leg.—Tours, 27 Oct.
Signed.

Add. Endd. Pp. 2.

Oct. 27.

487. The Judge of the Admiralty Court to Cecil.

On receipt of the Council's letter, they framed certain
articles agreeable to their advice, which they delivered to the
commissioners for the French matters, wherewith they are
not contented. Sends a copy of the said articles. The merchants of London are very careless of the matter, though they
have at Rouen in their own and Frenchmen's names above
20,000l. besides the adventure to Bordeaux.—London, 27 Oct.
1569. Signed: David Lewes.

Add. Endd., with seal. P.½.

Oct. 27.

488. Answer to the French Commissioners.

Certain articles proposed by the French commissioners for
regulating the restoration of the merchants' goods stayed in
England and France with the answers of the other side.

Enclosed in Lewes' letter to Cecil. P. 1¼.

Oct. 29.

489. The Regent Murray to the Queen.

1. Has already declared to Mr. Carey the order and circumstances of his proceeding in the Duke of Norfolk's matter,
wherein seeing her not fully satisfied, he will, to his best
remembrance, collect the things omitted that may serve for
manifestation of the truth. Cannot well affirm that the Duke
of Norfolk did first directly and in plain words motion the
matter of the marriage to him; howbeit it will appear that
others have gone about to make him (Murray) the author and
instrument of their devices. When first at York he was
moved to "suit" familiar conference with the Duke in order
to procure expedition. He suspected nothing less than that
the Duke pretended to the said marriage, but now perceives
that it was pressed at to make him the motioner of all things.
What was talked betwixt the Duke and Lethington the day
they rode to Cawood was without his commandment or foreknowledge.

2. So soon as he had spoken with the Duke he partly
smelt his intentions, for when he that chiefly had the hearing
of the matter declared himself so careful to have the Queen's
shame covered and her honour repaired, showed her interest in
the title to the crown of England, which had so many friends;
that it was convenient she had no children, there being but one
babe proceeded of her, and the Hamiltons, Murray's unfriends,
having the next respect; also Murray should esteem that
the issue of her body would be more affectionate to him than
any other who might attain to that room. It may well be
thought by such speeches what he pretended to, but there was
no other thing substantial communicated in that purpose to
Murray before his departing forth of England than is already
written with Master Carey, save that the Duke willed him to
make none privy to that which was spoken betwixt them in
the park at Hampton Court. When Murray required him to
procure that Bothwell might be sent for to be executed, he
answered that Her Majesty would nowise solicit to the same,
but purposely had him living above the Queen of Scots' head
to stay her from any other marriage. Mr. John Wood had no
kind of instruction from him to the Duke, but it is true that
after he had remained twenty days at the Court he was willed
by him to write to Murray to know what he would do in the
matter of the marriage, which was the first time that it was
motioned in plain words to him. The Duke willed him to
write that if Murray would make the Queen to be restored to
her honour and crown and the unlawful marriage with Bothwell to be dissolved; then should the third follow, that was
the marriage betwixt the Duke and her, and consequently all
things that he could wish to his weal and surety. Being
advised not to make strange with the Duke he wrote again to
Wood in cipher, confirm to his declaration sent by Carey.
The Duke liked well of the answer, save in one point, where
Murray desired the marriage to precede the restitution;
wherein the Duke, seeing he could not prevail with him, then
was Her Highness (as they judged) urged to come to some end
in the said Queen's cause. Being uncertain what was Her
Majesty's contentation in the said matter, Murray thought of
no better means to redeem time than to require the consummation of the marriage to precede her restitution, judging that
Her Majesty would never allow of the first, and so the next
of necessity should fail.

3. When she was persuaded to move the Queen of Scots'
restitution by the articles sent by Wood, he was constrained
to refuse the same.

4. Was pressed on all hands to redeem time with the Duke
as well by reason of his credit and greatness as the uncertainty to what end Her Majesty would incline in the matters
of restitution and marriage. The misknowledge of Her
Highness's resolution has caused things to be otherwise handled
than if she had given them a taste of what should have been
the issue of the Queen's cause.—Dumfries, 29 Oct. 1569.
Signed.

Pp. 2½.

Oct. 29.

490. Memoranda by Cecil.

Notes of injuries done to the English by the King of Spain's
subjects. Also of matters to be considered in treating with
Vitelli.

Has sent to her some notes collected of that which was
omitted in his discourse made to Mr. Carey. Beseeches her
to consider them, and that he may have some advertisement
of her mind. Desires her not to be offended with the delay.—
Dumfries, 29 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. P. ½.

Oct. 29.

492. The Regent Murray to Cecil.

Such things as were by his letter required he will receive
herewith. Cannot blame him for finding the late proceedings
strange, but seeing Her Highness so earnestly travailing for
the Queen of Scots' restoration, he could not think it profitable to lose the benevolence of such as seemed bent that way,
having no taste of Her Highness's misliking of the purpose.
Uncertainty with them has bred uncertainty here. Wishes
that on both sides the matter had been more plainly handled.
Can do nothing till he hears from him in the matter moved
by Mr. Carey. Has been inclosed in an unhappy country
plenished with thieves, with whom he has taken order.—
Dumfries, 29 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.

Oct. 30.

493. Alfonso Ferrabosco to Cecil.

Begs him to continue his good opinion of him and to remain
his protector and favourer.—Bologna, 30 Oct. 1569. Signed.

Add. Endd., with seal. Ital. P. ½.

Oct. 31.

494. John Wood to Cecil.

1. The Regent has had a very prosperous journey upon the
frontiers.

2. It is thought that Dumbarton is in a great strait.

3. There is great expectation of this day of law of the
Secretary.

4. Begs his forgiveness for not having been so plain as he
thought he should have been.—Manderston, 31 Oct. 1569.
Signed.

Add. Endd. Pp. 1½.

Oct. 31.

495. Queen Elizabeth to Charles IX.

Has received his letter of Oct. 8, and has great pleasure in
hearing of his victory. Offers her services to assuage the
evils with which civil war is accompanied.

Queen Elizabeth to Catherine de Medicis.

To the same effect as the above.

Draft. Endd.: 31 Oct. 1569. Fr. Pp. 1¼.

Oct.

496. The French Ambassador to the Queen of England.

Is willed by the King to agree to the things propounded at
Farnham Castle on 10th August for the trade between England and France. He also desires that she will cause her
subjects to forbear oft repair and traffic to Rochelle. Cannot
agree to restrain the trade of his subjects to and from England
and Flanders during the present suspension. Desires that a
day may be appointed for the execution of the restitution of
prizes on both sides. Requires that the Queen of Scots shall
not be put into the hands of her enemies, and that nothing be
said or done impertinent to her dignity as a sovereign princess.
Also that he may be resolved what succours the Queen of
England means to give to place her in her estate, and that
she will not suffer her evil subjects to settle their matters
against her by the spoil of the country and taking the town
of Dumbarton.

2. Copy with English translation in the margin, and also
notes by Cecil.

Endd. Fr. Pp. 1½.

Oct.

497. Treaty of Commerce between the Grand Turk and
the King of France.

Consisting of eighteen articles wherein the Sultan Selim
promises that the subjects of the King of France trading to
the Levant, and other parts of his dominions shall not be
robbed, enslaved, or otherwise molested, but shall be given
every reasonable aid and encouragement in their traffic.—
Constantinople, Oct. 1569.

Copy. Endd. Fr. Pp. 5¼.

Oct.

498. Goods of Englishmen arrested in Britanny.

Note of ships and goods belonging to Englishmen arrested
by the King's officers in Britanny, of the total value of 1,900l.

Endd. by Cecil: Oct. 1569. P. 1.

Oct.

499. The Regent to Cecil.

1. This letter is formed upon the very words and device of
Lethington. He has flatly denied in any sort to be an accuser
of the Duke of Norfolk, thinking he shall escape this storm.
Prays Cecil earnestly to consider of that which is in hand, and
to give frequent signification of his meaning, seeing they have
none other at whose hand they can look for advertisement.
The matter imparted to him by the Commendator of Dunfermline must take some reasonable time. There lacks a
warden for the West Marches. Lord Herries gives good words
and would fain be at liberty, but Murray cannot be persuaded
of his true meaning. This will compel him soon again to
repair to the West. Although he had Lethington's promise
not to write to England without his knowledge, yet he understands that within these twelve days he has written to Cecil.

2. The great papist Laird of Seyfeld has become a good
Christian man.

3. P.S.—Lethington counts it not wisdom on Murray's part
to have touched anything tending to the Duke's accusation.
Signed.